Contraception & Sexual Health

Contraception

There are many contraceptive methods available, including:

Contraceptive Pill

One of the most common forms of contraception, it is made from synthetic forms of the oestrogen and progesterone hormones that are available in many different doses and hormone combinations. It works by preventing ovulation and thickening the mucus of the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

Vaginal Ring

Similar to the Pill (in that it contains the same hormones and works the same way), a ring is inserted into the vagina and stays in place for 3 weeks, slowly releasing hormones into the bloodstream. After 3 weeks, the ring is removed and a new ring is inserted one week later.

Injectable Contraception

This form of contraception is injected into the body every three months, typically in the thigh, and releases progesterone to prevent pregnancy. It works similarly to the Pill and Vaginal Ring in that it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus so sperm can’t get through, but it also changes the lining of the uterus so a fertilised egg can’t actually take hold.

Contraceptive Implant

The Contraceptive implant is a rod-shaped implant that’s inserted under the skin of the inner side upper arm. It’s another hormonal form of contraception containing etonogestrel (similar to progesterone) which prevents ovulation and alters the mucus of the cervix. This form of contraception lasts far longer than the others (3 years).

Intra Uterine Device (IUD)

The IUD is a small plastic device the doctor inserts into the uterus. Containing either added copper or hormones, the IUD lasts for 5 years and beyond, but can be easily removed if you want to fall pregnant before then. Both copper and hormone IUDs work by changing the lining of the uterus and killing off sperm. If an egg is fertilised, the egg is unable to stick to the wall of the uterus and thus a pregnancy is unable to continue.

The difference between the two IUDs is that the hormonal IUD, while resulting in light or no periods, can cause hormonal side effects such as headaches, acne and increased appetite. On the other hand the copper IUD has no hormonal side effect but usually results in a heavier period.

We can discuss your choice of contraception on the day of your procedure/appointment. We can provide a script for the Pill or vaginal ring if required, and can provide the Contraceptive Injection injection on the day.

If you’re interested in fitting an IUD or placing a Contraceptive implant please discuss at the time of making your appointment so you can have it done at the same time as procedure.

Condoms

Condoms come in all types of sizes, colours and taste. They act as contraception as well as protection against Sexual Transmission Infections (STIs). They are inexpensive, accessible, discreet and handy for immediate use.

There are two different types of condoms, one is made out of latex and the other is non-latex (polyurethane) for those who are allergic to latex.

They need to be used correctly for every active intercourse for them to be effective, otherwise, the failure rate is high.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

For most healthy women, having the procedure is fairly straight forward. However in some instances, the need may arise to treat a Sexually Transmitted Infection.

Candidia (thrush), Chlamydia and bacterial vaginosis are the most common genital infections we come across. Here in the clinics we do genital swabs to confirm the type of infection and initiate the treatment on the same day as the procedure.